In February we saw Will Allen speak and were inspired by his vision and inventiveness. We planted many pots of lettuce seed and now it’s time for salad! How often do we get to see kids excited about veggies! Viva Orca!
It was a busy morning, as we got busy planting carrots, peas, and beans in the garden. Two of the 1/2 classes got a chance to be the first planters of spring. We should have peapods, wax beans, and carrots in no time. Goodbye metal fence, hello living, edible, structure!
Anthony had the pleasure of visiting the Seattle Girls School to talk about sustainability, composting, and the best plan of action for building organic garden beds. They have chickens and goats already, so they are well on their way to doing some cool things. Orca has offered some plant donations to them, to help get this project rolling! The students are working on a school design project and wanted some ideas on how to design the ultimate green school.
http://www.seattlegirlsschool.org/
Ah glorious spring, that time of year when we shake off the doldrums of the NW winter and enter sunny days with a newfound optimism and enthusiasm. The first day of spring turned out to be the nicest and sunniest day of the year. It was in the 60’s and very warm and delightful outside. We gathered for our monthly Saturday workparty, to shovel 5 cubic yards of Cedar Grove compost and do some garden maintenance. We rejuvenated the garden beds and things are smelling very ripe (no kids- thats not manure!).
The incredible non-profit City Fruit organization had a community workshop on cultivating and pruning fruit trees at Orca. We are happy to host community groups here and be a resource in any way that we can. cityfruit.org. Then check out their incredible tree map of fruit trees in seattle. Amazing!
http://city-fruit.appspot.com/display
A trip to the Hillman City p-patch was in order today. Orca is getting our plot together over there- it’s almost time to plant! Check it: http://www.cityofseattle.net/Neighborhoods/ppatch/locations/29.htm
We pulled some mint and fennel plants that were growing in the paths. We can plant those back here at the Orca garden and give kids more of what they want- tasty treats and delicious garden snacks. They got to explore the p-patch and soak up some of that very very necessary Vitamin D. Oh yeah, did I mention the tire swing!?!?
The garden is alive, magic is afoot, and the sunshine has finally, finally arrived. Spring is all about making new beginnings and new connections. With the revival of the garden, hopefully we all feel a revival within ourselves. Say that!
Strawberries were brought in by a student in Mr. McCullough’s kindergarten class. This student said the strawberries were taking over their yard, so we were more than happy to take a donation over here. Strawberries are a guaranteed winner with the kiddoes. It was a stunning day and an incredible way to start a sunny morning.
They also got to explore the garden for a bit after the planting. Finding, feeling, smelling, and tasting the first herbs of Spring. The mints were especially a hit today.
From seeds, to baby chards, to transplant pots, to the ground! The cycle reached one step closer today as the Pre-k students planted chards they helped grow from the BEGINNING. Next step- eating the bountiful harvest that will soon come! Awesome.
